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Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Spicy Turmeric Tea

Happy Wednesday everyone! I'm really excited to share a recipe with you that is perfect for this time of year.

A few months ago, I met up with Alexa, the amazing blogger behind Fooduzzi. We met at a local coffee shop called Big Dog Coffee in the Southside. She suggested that I get her favorite drink- a turmeric tonic. I've never had turmeric in a drink before, so I was definitely intrigued and followed her advice. I'm so glad that I did, because the tea was amazing and has been on my mind ever since!

I have been trying to come up with a recipe that is close to the original drink that I had, and I think this one comes pretty close. It's spicy and sweet and can be enjoyed hot or cold. I can't get enough of it, and I hope you enjoy it as well! Before I share the recipe, I wanted to give you a few facts about turmeric. This is a popular ingredient lately, and for good reason! There are tons of benefits of this plant, which I want to share:

Health benefits of Turmeric:

- Turmeric (and ginger) can tame heartburn and an upset stomach. This is caused by the plant's ability to fight inflammation. I love to drink this at night if I have an upset stomach, and it helps me sleep much better!

- A compound in turmeric may help ward off heart attacks, delay diabetes, and fight cancer. The compound is called curcumin, and is what causes the beautiful yellow hue of turmeric.

- Since the plant has anti-inflammatory properties, it also helps relieve joint pain. I might have to try this as a natural pain reliever after races rather than taking ibuprofen!(source for these benefits come from Huffington Post)

- Curcumin has also been proven to boost brain function, and lower risk of brain diseases. There's a growth hormone in the brain that multiplies and increases the amount of neurons in the brain (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor). Some brain disorders like Alzheimer's and depression are linked to a decrease in BDNF, and curcumin can actually increase these levels. (source - Authority Nutrition)

- Turmeric can also be used for a variety of ways in your beauty routine! I think I'm going to try out a few from this list - who doesn't want glowing skin!?

I have tumeric but I have never used it... crazy, right? I have always been nervous to use it since I wasn't sure how it would taste but since I love tea I think I'll have to give this recipe a try to see how I like tumeric!

Turmeric is in mustard and Indian food and I love both! I've never had turmeric tea before, but I've heard of it! My favourite coffee shop is a local one called "Clicks" and they have the best americanos and the best cranberry orange muffins but they are SO SLOW in there. Callum usually ends up behind the counter or doing the gingerbread man in my arms, screaming.

I've never cooked/made anything with tumeric! This sounds really good though. I have 2 favorite coffee shops where I live, Jitterz and Charlotte's! I don't know what it is about coffee shops recently, but all I want to do is hang out in one and read haha.

I've been researching healthy ways to detox lately and turmeric keeps popping up!! I definitely need to get back on a healthier track especially on the liquids I drink!! I will definitely try this! =) thank you!

My grandma used to put turmeric mixed with a tiny bit of water (to make a paste) on our mosquito bite scars, telling us it will help them go away. I don't think it worked, but I always think of her when I see turmeric :)

I LOVE YOU. I cannot wait to try this...only reason I haven't yet is because of my lack of fresh ginger and lemongrass tea! I have dried ginger, but I want to try your version before I give that avenue a try! Seriously, girl. You're my favorite.